Checking transmission fluid level

[95maxrider]

Hi everyone, I could use some help with my transmission fluid level. When I replaced the pan and rubber hoses going to the rad/cooler, about 7 quarts drained out. Capacity is 10.9. I didn't check the level before draining, but since my FX has only been serviced at the dealer prior to my ownership, I figured the level would be correct. I refilled with about 6.5 to make sure I didn't overfill, but when I checked the level, it was reading crazy high, like at least one quart over. I wasn't sure if the fluid to the cooler is controlled by a thermostat, so I drove it around town for a bit, hoping the thermostat would open and let the fluid go into the cooler, but even after that the fluid level is still way too high and it doesn't look like it went down. I'm following the level checking procedure in the FSM where you rotate the dipstick around 180* before inserting. No matter which way I insert the dipstick, it doesn't want to go down smoothly, and I have to force it a bit. Is this normal?

Now I need to figure out if I simply try to match the amount that drained out, hoping the dealership did it correctly, or if I trust the wonky dipstick and drain some out. I know overfilling is bad, but so is underfilling. What are your thoughts?

 

[la_fx35]

When I did the Transgo Shift Kit installation with the pan removed, it took about 6.5 quarts to refill. Normal drain and fill takes about 4.5 quarts. No experience why the dipstick show high.